Consumer Tech KEF’s Brilliant New LSX II Wireless Hi-Fi System Is Available Now Mark Sparrow Senior Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Technology journalist specializing in audio, computing and photography New! Follow this author to improve your content experience. Got it! Jun 23, 2022, 06:00am EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The new KEF LSX II Wireless Hi-Fi System Looks Small but has a loud roar, thanks to 200W of power.
KEF Earlier this month, British premium speaker brand KEF announced the launch of its new LSX II Wireless HiFi System. Billed as being far more than a simple upgrade from the award-winning original, LSX II, this latest model brings class-leading sound with the all-encompassing W2 wireless platform from the pioneering LS50 Wireless II and LS60 Wireless. Well, now they are ready to pick up from your local hi-fi store so let’s take a closer look at what you can expect.
KEF is a legendary name in the speaker business, having been founded by Raymond Cooke in 1961, from a small hut in Maidstone, Kent. Delivering acoustic excellence was Cooke’s passion and the driving force behind his mission for constant innovation. The development of advanced wireless technology has now led to the creation of the LSX II Wireless HiFi System, offering audiophile sound without wires.
The LSX II has numerous connectivity options, is easy to use and features a contemporary design. Unlike the original LSX System, this latest version now includes HDMI and USB-C connectivity, making it an ideal way to beef up the sound of a TV, laptop or desktop computer. The technological enhancements of the LSX II are housed in a minimal and contemporary design developed by renowned industrial designer Michael Young.
The LSX II System is available in five colorways. Despite being a wireless system, the KEF LSX II has connectivity for almost any source. KEF The LSX II takes the two-stereo approach by giving the music the space to breathe and develop, building into a three-dimensional soundstage.
KEF claims that the speakers appear to disappear, leaving the listener free to enjoy the immersive performance that unfolds before them, drawing them into the performance. MORE FOR YOU Google Issues Warning For 2 Billion Chrome Users Forget The MacBook Pro, Apple Has Bigger Plans Google Discounts Pixel 6, Nest & Pixel Buds In Limited-Time Sale Event Each LSX II speaker uses a version of KEF’s 11th generation Uni-Q driver array specifically designed for this loudspeaker. This signature technology acts as a point source, where the tweeter is placed at the precise acoustic center of the woofer, recreating sound as it is produced naturally.
This design eliminates the traditional, tiny ‘sweet spot’ and instead delivers a more accurate sound to all listeners in the room. The LSX II has a total of 200 Watts of system power. The tweeter and woofer are powered by dedicated amplifiers.
Performance is further enhanced from the award-winning original by the Music Integrity Engine. The enhanced Music Integrity Engine enables LSX II to create a perfectly timed performance for improved clarity and a tighter, more accurate sound. The LSX II from KEF would make an ideal audio system for a laptop.
KEF Using the latest KEF Connect app, users can stream Amazon Music, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, Internet Radio stations and podcasts directly to the speakers. There’s also support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast for streaming audio from compatible devices. Meanwhile, Bluetooth functionality expands the user’s options still further.
In addition, it’s possible to use native apps to stream music directly from Spotify Connect, Tidal and QPlay. When using Airplay 2 and Chromecast, users can stream to multiple wireless speakers to synchronize music around the home. There’s also support for streaming from a compatible NAS drive or music server.
There’s file support of up to 24bit/384kHz (PCM), DSD, and full MQA rendering. Alongside Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, LSX II also has a comprehensive collection of wired connections. These include HDMI ARC for complete control using a TV remote and a high-quality USB-C input, making LSX II the ideal audio system for a computer.
There are also connections for a turntable, CD player, games console and many other devices. For those who want even more oomph for movies and music, there’s a dedicated output for a KEF subwoofer. The LSX II can be controlled using the KEF Connect app.
KEF The KEF Connect app makes setting up the LSX II easy and controls the system and playback navigation. There are intuitive sound settings for tweaking the LSX II so it can best suit a room’s acoustics. With its powerful Room EQ DSP, LSX II can be easily fine-tuned to a room and user’s taste.
‘Normal’ mode is designed to talk the user through the process with easy questions, while the ‘Expert’ mode provides more customization. For easy integration of a KEF subwoofer with LSX II, Room EQ includes subwoofer pre-sets that are designed to create a smooth integration with the main speakers. The KEF LSX II also includes volume settings, sensitivity adjustments, plus the ability to designate a wired source to wake up the speakers when audio is played.
The KEF LSX II is available in five colorways. KEF The design of LSX II is by Michael Young, one of the leading lights in industrial design. Known for his take on minimalism, Young’s signature is a smart, pared-down aesthetic that suits LSX II’s job of delivering accurate sound while also looking great.
KEF claims that every aspect of LSX II has been carefully considered, with an elegant rear control panel and subtle design accents such as color-matched finishes on the Uni-Q driver and ports. The LSX II can be mounted on the striking KEF S1 floor stand or with flexible positioning using the P1 desk pad or B1 wall bracket. For individual preference, the LSX II is available in five statement finishes: Mineral White and Lava Red models come with matte satin and high-gloss finish respectively, while Carbon Black and Cobalt Blue are clad in a specially designed fabric from Danish contemporary textile designer, Kvadrat.
The Soundwave by Terence Conran Edition was one of the iconic British designer’s final collaborations. The version sees the ‘soundwave’ pattern woven into the Kvadrat fabric complemented with Conran’s signature blue on the speaker port and driver. Pricing & Availability: The KEF LSX II will be officially available on June 23, 2022, for $1,400.
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From: forbes
URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marksparrow/2022/06/23/kefs-brilliant-new-lsx-ii-wireless-hi-fi-system-is-available-now/